Julia-Barbara Michalon is an of counsel in the Paris office of Gibson Dunn, where she serves as a member of the firm’s Finance and Business Restructuring Practice Groups.
She specializes in structured finance transactions (particularly in the context of LBO transactions), complex cross-border debt restructuring transactions, and real estate financings. She seamlessly represents senior and junior lenders, financial sponsors, borrowers, and distressed investors in their significant strategic transactions.
Julia-Barbara is experienced in acquisition finance (whether using all-senior, senior, second lien, unitranche, mezzanine, or PIK financing), advising lenders, borrowers, and sponsors on leveraged buy-outs, build-ups, and corporate acquisitions. She also has experience in acting for lenders and borrowers in relation to investment-grade syndicated facilities, other corporate loans, and bridge financing.
Julia-Barbara also advises on bespoke financings for companies that require more complex corporate financings, including "special situation" financings for companies struggling to raise debt post-restructuring.
Best Lawyers in France has recommended her for Banking & Finance Law, Insolvency, and Structured Finance since 2025. Previously, she was recommended as One to Watch for Banking and Finance Law by Best Lawyers in France since she entered the ranking in 2022.
Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Julia-Barbara practiced for four years with a leading British law firm.
Admitted to the Paris Bar in 2015, she graduated from University of Paris II - Panthéon-Assas with a master’s degree in banking and financial law in 2011, a master’s degree in business law, and an MBA in 2010, and graduated from King’s College London in 2012 with a Master of Laws in financial law. Julia-Barbara teaches financial law at the Bar school of Paris.
She speaks French and English fluently.
Capabilities
- Finance
- Business Restructuring and Reorganization
- Consumer Products and Retail
- Financial Institutions
- Transportation and Space
Credentials
Education:
- King's College London - 2012 Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas - 2011 Masters
- Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas - 2010 Maîtrise in Business law
- Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas - 2010 MBA
Admissions:
- France - Avocat au Barreau de Paris